I cannot believe I’m saying this, but this is my final email to you in 2025! Can you believe how fast this year has flown? I’m so grateful for your support, and I can’t wait to dive into practical tips and tricks for staying fit and healthy during the holiday season. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m constantly seeing convoluted online content about how to approach the holidays from a health perspective. In today’s newsletter, I hope to cut through all the noise and give you some actionable tips to feel how you want to feel, look how you want to look, and feel genuinely peaceful about it this holiday season! Let’s get into it, shall we? 
Holiday Workout Program
Here’s the thing about the holidays: they’re really busy! Especially if you’re a parent or grandparent, it can be deeply challenging to balance all the demands on your time. It can also be difficult to allow “perfect” to become the enemy of “good”. Here’s the good news: you don’t need to hit 6 intense workouts weekly for your movement to be meaningful! Fitting in quick workouts when you do have time (and planning them in your calendar in advance, just like you do with your obligations to other people) is key. Here’s a helpful list I found to guide you through quick, effective workouts!
Healthy Holiday Recipes To Wow Your Entire Guest List!
The key to FEELING good during the holidays is nourishing your body with truly delicious and nutrient-dense foods. Don’t think of it as a restriction, but as honoring your mind, body, and family through the decisions you make when you plan your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and grated (about 22 ounces)
- 1 small onion, peeled and grated
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- ¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
- grapeseed oil or olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine squash, onion, eggs, and salt
- Squeeze excess liquid from mixture and discard
- Heat ¼ inch oil in a 9 inch skillet
- Scoop ¼ cup of batter at a time onto skillet and flatten
- Fry each side over medium heat until browned and crispy
- Transfer latkes to a paper towel lined baking sheet
- Repeat process with remaining batter
- Serve with Homemade Applesauce and sour cream or yogurt
For the Tree
- Cucumbers
- Celery
- Green Peppers
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Rosemary
To Decorate the Tree
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Cauliflower
- Jicama Star for the Tree Topper
- Pink Peppercorn
- Chamomile Flowers
…But if Butternut Squash Latkes or Crudité aren’t your cup of tea, don’t worry! I found two delicious collections of healthy and flavorful recipes for Hanukkah & Christmas celebrations. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Hanukkah Recipes & Christmas Recipes
Let the Holiday Spirit Diffuse!
I’m giddy over the new scents I get to start diffusing the moment Thanksgiving is over (my calendar is set, don’t judge!) I LOVE to have the scents Holiday Joy, Holiday Peace, and Holiday Love diffusing while I blast holiday tunes all throughout December. They’re actually sold in a bundle, so I’ll link it here for you. Rest assured- any of these scents individually are incredible!
The Perfect Attire For Your Holiday Workouts
You know what they say… the cuter the activewear, the more active you’ll be! (Or maybe it’s just me who says that, I don’t know.) Anyway, if you’re looking to get more active this holiday season, my next tip is to get EXCITED about your workouts by wearing outfits that make you feel good in your body. For example, this adorable dress from BloqUV is sweat-wicking and breathable, keeping you warm during the cooler months. Plus, it’ll protect you from the sun’s harmful rays!
The Perfect Holiday Gift For Athletes in Your Life
Do you have any athletes or workout enthusiasts in your life? If so, I have the PERFECT gift idea for you! Laser therapy is effective for relieving pain and tension and is non-invasive AND pain-free. You can check out all the different ways Laser Therapy can benefit you and your loved ones (or grab a gift card) by clicking here.
Local Happenings This Month
Wonderland Circus: Wonderland’s all-new show BELIEVE arrives under the climate-controlled Big Top at UTC from Friday, November 21, 2025 through Sunday, January 4, 2026, offering a dazzling holiday journey filled with fan-favorite performers and breathtaking circus artistry.
Deck The Halls: Experience the holidays Sarasota-style as the all-new Deck the Halls blends festive Florida charm with original music, comedy, and interactive fun to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah in one vibrant family tradition. Enjoy the festivities from November 29th to December 24th.
Lights in Bloom: Enjoy a dazzling display of over 2 million lights illuminating Selby Gardens in Sarasota! Enjoy a stroll through this winter wonderland from December 6th to January 3rd.
I hope the holiday season treats you well, friend. Don’t forget: consistency is far more important than perfection, and showing up for yourself is just as important as showing up for others!
Warmly,
Michele